Construction of the facility was completed in the fall of 2016 with the Grand Opening celebration held in October. Housed in a building overlooking the Cedar River in northwest Waverly, all of the building specifications and amenities were deter- mined by assessing the combined needs of the four veterans’ organizations. The total cost of the project (including land acquisition, site prepara- tion, construction, furnishings, landscaping, archi- tect fees and contingency costs) was $4.5 million.
The 17,300 sq. ft. facility contains space for communications and career development; as well as spaces for the four veterans’ organizations and their auxiliaries to host monthly, regional and state meetings; funerals with full military rites; post-funeral receptions; civic celebrations; and Post dinners, including the community fish fry and monthly Saturday breakfasts. In addition, the facility features a room set up for families to con- nect with their deployed family members, a small chapel and a large banquet room. “I’d say this center not only fulfills the needs of vet families, but the Waverly community as well,” said Benning with pride.
The WAVP serves the needs of all veterans, active and inactive, and their families through programs and events that provide assistance in securing veterans benefits, seeking employment, connect- ing with their families when away from home, and hosting events where they can gather and socialize. In addition, the organization works with kindred organizations to help veterans dealing with homeless situations, mental health issues, difficulties getting jobs, and suicide prevention.
With more than 1,700 veteran families in Bremer County, it is a busy place. “Helping returning veterans through difficult life situations is one of the most important things we can do to get vet- erans back on their feet when they return home,” said Benning. “We also want to meet the needs of future veterans by creating a safe place where people can better understand and listen to what they are saying.”
The center is governed by a 12 member board of directors, with three members appointed from each of the four Posts. Benning currently serves as vice chairman. The board oversees a general manager who is responsible for the direction and control of the facility’s use, as well as programs
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